The Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wang Yi, highlighted the need for inclusive cooperation between the EU and China in a video conference with the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, on Monday 8 February.
According to an article in the Chinese media CGTN, quoted by the Chinese diplomatic mission to the EU, Mr Wang said that “the most important point (for the development of relations) is to stay committed to peaceful coexistence, inclusive cooperation, multilateralism and open dialogue”. Competition exists, but cooperation far outweighs competition, according to the minister.
“There are also differences, but there are far more consensuses between the two sides”, he added, explaining that China and the EU could make great progress as long as the two sides think from their common interests and make decisions independently.
As the EU and China concluded negotiations on the investment agreement (see EUROPE 12642/2), the minister called on both sides “to grasp the opportunity to enhance all-round dialogue and cooperation, jointly safeguard multilateralism, tackle global challenges together so as to push forward China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership to a higher level”.
In addition to this agreement, the High Representative and the minister discussed the EU-China bilateral programme for 2021. According to a communiqué from the European External Action Service (EEAS), Mr Borrell expressed his intention to visit Beijing at an appropriate date to maintain the regular strategic dialogue in the form of a face-to-face meeting. He also stressed the importance of continuing joint efforts to achieve concrete results in the bilateral relationship, particularly with regard to climate change and the environment.
For his part, Mr Wang is said to have proposed cooperation in areas such as the environment, finance, sports and epidemic control.
In addition, the High Representative referred to the EU’s “strong concerns” about the situation in Hong Kong (see EUROPE 12631/8) and the treatment of human rights defenders, as well as the treatment of ethnic and religious minorities, in particular in Xinjiang (see EUROPE 12625/20). In response, Mr Wang outlined the Chinese position and reiterated his opposition to foreign interference and the spread of lies and fake information.
Borrell and Wang also discussed the Covid-19 pandemic, the former welcoming China’s confirmed participation in the ‘Access to Covid-19 tools’ Facility under COVAX. China has announced a plan to provide 10 million coronavirus vaccine doses.
The High Representative also stressed the continuation of joint efforts in the framework of the G20 Debt Service Suspension Initiative in order to alleviate, in particular, the debt of African partner countries.
Finally, the two men discussed the international situation, including the Iranian nuclear deal and relations with the United States, at the request of the Chinese side. The High Representative said he was convinced that the EU, China and the US could join forces to tackle key global challenges such as climate change, the Covid-19 pandemic and the Iranian nuclear issue.
On the situation in Myanmar, also discussed, the High Representative stressed that the EU is ready to work with ASEAN, China and other partners to engage in a dialogue process between all stakeholders and it was agreed to intensify contacts to this end. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)